AN application to renew a botanical centre's drinks licence has triggered a row with the neighbours.

Stuart Goldie, manager of Nature's World, Middlesbrough, says objections to the sale of alcohol and live music at the botanical centre have been fostered by a misunderstanding - or misinformation.

District ward councillor, Conservative Hazel Pearson, who resigned from the centre's board and is now representing objectors says the only mistake is Mr Goldie, who she says does not consider his neighbours.

Mr Goldie said yesterday: "We have had a liquor licence for more than ten years, but it has been a low key thing. We are not a drinking establishment, we are not creating a bar.

"All we are trying to do is, if people come for a meal, or a concert, or musical event, they have the option of a glass of wine with their meal, or a glass during the concert interval."

He added: "We won't be having functions all the time anyway. But when you make an application, you have to cover all options.

"I think the impression has been given that we are going to have a bar selling booze from ten in the morning until ten at night. We will only be having drinks with meals, or at specific functions.

"We have staged a range of entertainment for more than 12 years such as school concerts and Gilbert and Sullivan productions. Nothing has changed, except that whereas before we had to apply for a licence to the magistrates' court, it is now the local authority, so we must re-apply to them.''

Coun Pearson said: "The licence has been contentious for residents in the area for many years. I resigned from the botanical centre, and so did two of my colleagues because we don't think he (Mr Goldie) gives enough consideration to the area.''

Kader Community Council objects to the licence renewal, while Middlesbrough Council's licensing sub-committee, which meets today, has received 25 letters of objection from neighbours.